Anything For Rachel

Chapter Thirty Two.

            Hope. 

That was the only thing I could hold onto. That, and Calvin's newfound strength. It was like seeing the Calvin from five years ago back and in action. He spoke with determination and purpose as he recorded his broadcasts for our people, and I watched in admiration. This whole time I've been here it felt like he was holding himself back, or like he was afraid his intensity my scare me away, but here he was, the strong, smart, undaunted man I love. The news about Rose had really lit a fire beneath him to get control back in his life.

Just thinking of her makes me have to hold myself tighter. Everyone else was rushing around the room, gathering what few supplies were available here, and shoving them into various bags. I wanted to be of help, but I couldn't stop seeing my little angel's face every time I'd blink. I needed to be with her. I never should have let her leave my side to begin with. Especially if I'd known we'd all end up here anyway.

The sick twisting nauseas feeling hit my stomach again and I leaned forward where I was sitting on the bed to lay my head on my knees.

"Look at me." I heard Calvin whisper close to my ear and then I felt the bed dip where he sat beside me. I swallowed hard and sat up, turning to look him in the eyes. "She's going to be fine." He told me. "They won't hurt her, not when they think they need her so badly. You and I, and all of the other people who love Rose are going to save her, Rachel. We're getting her back."

I held onto his words, playing them over and over in my head until I started to believe it was true. I could almost feel the warmth of her little hand in mine if I tried hard enough. His eyes looked into mine seriously, and I nodded my head to let him know I was hearing him. "You'll get to meet her." I whispered, but I noticed Logan looked over like he'd heard before he went back to talking to Octavia and Patrick.

Calvin's face still had strained worry wrinkles in his forehead, but his answering smile slid across his face with ease as he bit his lip. "All the more reason to hurry up and get out of here." He said lightly. "I've been thinking about it, and I think I'm actually nervous."

"She'll love you." I assured him, but he frowned slightly.

"I love her," He nodded. "But I hope she does come to like me."

I held his cold hand in mine. "I said she'll love you." I repeated. "And she will."

"Ready?" Pedro asked and Calvin and I both hopped up quickly.

Calvin walked over to Patrick and clapped him on the shoulder. "You sure you don't mind staying back?" He asked him.

Patrick glanced over at Pedro and smiled at him, then nodded to Calvin. "I'm sure." He promised. "I'll stay here and make sure you all stay in the clear."

"Thank you so much for this." Calvin told him, and I walked over to hug his neck.

"Yes, thank you." I told him too.

Octavia came over and hugged him as well and kissed his cheek. "Just stay here and I showed you how to play the broadcasts." She said as she backed up. "One a day around four o'clock." She reminded him and he nodded.

"Good luck." He smiled at us all. "Bring our princess back."

I followed Calvin, Logan, Cromley, Renard, and Octavia outside while we let Pedro and Patrick have a private goodbye.

Pedro appeared on the porch after a few minutes, tears in his eyes, and Prince under his arm.

"We're bringing the dog?" Renard asked, sending his thick eyebrows up his forehead.